Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[TheToffnar]

Sounding like Murillo out, but Jair may be available. Shame, as I was hoping Morato would play.

Sangare also in contention for them.

Moratos been that poor this season that his starting would have given us at least an additional 10% of winning...

[PaulWinch again]

I’m not one for “media are against us” stuff, but the contrast in Nick Mashiter’s views of Villa and Forest on the BBC are quite stark. Even the tone, anyone would think we’re the struggling team.

[PaulWinch again]

“Villa are chasing a first major trophy in 30 years but, as ever, it is not straightforward.
Saturday's lacklustre defeat at Fulham has allowed doubts to creep in again, despite their strong grip on a top-five place.
They have two routes to the Champions League - via the Premier League or by winning the Europa League - and while they are favourites to lift the trophy in Istanbul, it is typical of Villa that they still have obstacles to overcome.
They have not won away from home in the league since February - drawing at Forest earlier this month - although they were six games unbeaten heading into their match at Craven Cottage.
It was an off day in west London, with Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham missing good chances, while Amadou Onana was sidelined with a knee injury.
Boss Unai Emery has urged Villa to push for third - a position he has not yet achieved with the club - but with Forest second in the Premier League form table, even the most optimistic Villa fan will feel nervous.“

[PaulWinch again]

“Forest are one of the form teams in the Premier League. They are second in the form table over the last six games, behind Brighton, having scored nine goals in their last two matches.
There is a growing belief they will secure their top-flight status for next season, sitting five points above the relegation zone with four games remaining.
Boss Vitor Pereira said earlier this month, when discussing the Premier League, that success can mean different things - suggesting that staying in the division would represent success after a season of struggle and four different managers.
Yet they could still end the campaign with a Europa League crown - something that was a target at the start - if they overcome Aston Villa in the semi-finals.
There is no fear from a Forest squad that has adapted well to Pereira's methods since his arrival in February, with the former Wolves manager making an impact after replacing Sean Dyche.
Given their current form, some may see Forest as favourites for the home leg, and it will be an opportunity for them to take something into the return fixture at Villa Park next week.”

[RamboandBruno]

Thats fairly reflective of some of the conversations on here!
Agree its a bit one eyed

[PaulWinch again]

Well no I agree there has been some negative takes (I’d argue disproportionately) on here. But the variance in the tone from Mashiter is also disproportionate - Forest have had an uptick, but before their last two games they’ve massively struggled to score.

[Clampy]

I don't know why but I've got a sneaky feeling he will start Bailey tomorrow.

[ChicagoLion]

I don't know why but I've got a sneaky feeling he will start Bailey tomorrow.

I am sure that will cheer everyone up.

[Dave]

Their bloke:

"Tomorrow will be the Semi Final of the Europa League, Chelsea is our Champions League."

I'm sure they'll still be up for it, but it's pretty clear which game is more important to them.

[Crown Hill]

Their bloke:

"Tomorrow will be the Semi Final of the Europa League, Chelsea is our Champions League."

I'm sure they'll still be up for it, but it's pretty clear which game is more important to them.

Not with the couple of Forest fans I speak to at work.

And remember Unai was making similar noises about Forest last week.

Most of these press conferences are just guff!

[olaftab]

I’ve been informed that Onana wasn’t injured at the weekend. He was sick. Anybody else heard this?

Unai said a pain in his knee I think and rested as precaution

That's consistent with the sickness rumour as the last time I threw up I slipped and hurt my knee.

[Pete3206]

Most of these press conferences are just guff!

This. The Villa ones have the same dipsticks, asking the same inane questions and Unai just repeats himself every week.

[olaftab]

I don't know why but I've got a sneaky feeling he will start Bailey tomorrow.

We will if we want to give Forest a fair chance.

[cdbearsfan]

Their bloke:

"Tomorrow will be the Semi Final of the Europa League, Chelsea is our Champions League."

I'm sure they'll still be up for it, but it's pretty clear which game is more important to them.

Or, he is trying to take the pressure off the players tomorrow.

[cdbearsfan]

I’m not one for “media are against us” stuff, but the contrast in Nick Mashiter’s views of Villa and Forest on the BBC are quite stark. Even the tone, anyone would think we’re the struggling team.

There's a potentially thrilling article on there about which Man United youngsters might have a good pre-season.